On the importance of good beginnings
Date
2025-10-07
Authors
Thayer, Zaneta
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Abstract
The idea that stress can influence our health has become well accepted. But did you know that stress experienced in early life, including by your parents before you were born, could also impact your health? This talk will describe case studies of how parental and childhood exposure to traumatic experiences, such as residential schools and genocide, can affect individual health and wellbeing. While these early experiences are significant, our research shows these outcomes are not set in stone. We will discuss concrete actions that we can take as a society, as friends, and as individuals to support healing and improve everyone’s health and well-being.